Communal events to mark anniversary

Details of some of the plans to commemorate one year since the 22 May 2017 terror attack have been announced.

The Manchester Together – With One Voice event, from 7.30pm to 9pm on Tuesday 22 May 2018, will see choirs come together in song to share the spirit of solidarity and remember all those affected by the Manchester Arena attack – culminating in a communal singalong for the final half hour from 8.30pm to 9pm with everyone encouraged to join in. The singalong element will be broadcast live on BBC Radio Manchester, meaning that anyone in Greater Manchester will be able to add their voices wherever they are.

A call-out is being issued to existing choirs and singing groups from Manchester, Greater Manchester and beyond, to perform in the event. Anyone who is interested in taking part should go to www.manchester.gov.uk/mcrtogether to register an interest by Monday 30 April. The programme will be chosen to ensure it covers a range of musical genres and is as inclusive as possible.

A further music-related element called There Is A Light has also been announced – a projection of song lyrics onto St Ann’s Church in St Ann’s Square and other parts of the square during the nights of 22 May to 26 May inclusive.

People are being invited to suggest lyrics, a single line from a song, which has a personal resonance for them. They can do this via www.manchester.gov.uk/mcrtogether with a closing date for suggestions of 4 May.

Families of the 22 who lost their lives in the attack and others seriously hurt, physically or psychologically, are being kept informed of plans are they develop and the families have been invited to choose lyrics which are close to their hearts.